A Tavola

Disgusting treatment by owner Emma. Zero tact. Pathetic customer service.

Absolutely horrific experience at this establishment — and what makes it worse is that the behaviour came directly from the owner herself. Emma is, quite frankly, not fit to be running a place that serves people. We called at 12pm (their opening time) to make an evening booking. She told us we would only have an hour and a half to dine based on our 5:30pm reservation, and that we had to leave by 7pm. We accepted this and were even open to moving to the bar afterwards. However, from the moment we sat down, we were pressured and stared at by her. By 6pm, she was telling her staff that we “looked too relaxed” for people who were meant to leave by 7pm. Instead of addressing us directly, she hid behind her staff, sending them over repeatedly to remind us of the time — an unnecessary and frankly ***ardly approach. Mind you, we were the only Black people in the establishment, so it was very clear who she was targeting and why. There were many empty tables, yet she continued to make us feel unwelcome, uncomfortable, and scrutinised throughout the entire meal with constant side-eyes, whispering, and instructions to staff to watch us. Eventually, we confronted her and told her we would never return — to which she responded, “that’s fine,” with zero remorse. I have dined here before with my family, and the staff privately told me she had treated us the same way then too — myself, my husband, and even our daughter, who was only three at the time. Absolutely disgusting behaviour from the owner and a truly disgraceful establishment. I would not recommend this place to anyone unless you want to be made to feel like your presence and your money don’t matter. The staff, however, were incredible — they made it clear they do not agree with her behaviour and that it is completely unjust.